How I Saved the World in a Week
Polly Ho-Yen
Subjects
- Action Adventures - chills, thrills and plenty of spills
- Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Average rating
A brilliantly imagined new 8+ adventure about resilience, family and hope. From the bestselling and Waterstones Children’s Book Prize shortlisted author of BOY IN THE TOWER. Perfect for fans of Ross Welford, Lisa Thompson and Onjali Rauf.
Rule number one: Always be prepared . . .
Billy’s mum isn’t like other mums. All she wants is to teach him the Rules of Survival – how to make fire, build shelter and find food. She likes to test Billy on the rules until one day she goes too far, and Billy is sent to live with a dad he barely knows. Then the world changes forever as people begin to be infected with a mysterious virus that turns their skin grey. As chaos breaks out, Billy has to flee the city. Suddenly he realises that this is what his mum was preparing him for – not just to save his family, but to save the whole world.Praise for How I Saved the World in a Week:
‘This tense, haunting zombie thriller perfectly balances terrifying peril with emotional depth.’ – Guardian
‘A fabulous page-turner’ – Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song
‘A compelling and timely survivalist journey’ – Sita Brahmachari, author of Where the River Runs Gold
‘A brave and powerful story’ – Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha & the Spirit Bird
Praise for Boy in the Tower:
‘An unusual and very impressive debut’ – Fiona Noble, The Bookseller
Reviews
it is a good book
Queen Daffodil Turkey 11.08.2025
Lots of twists and tension
Doctor Chilli Heronimus 22.12.2023
I enjoyed this book because it was very interesting and it made me read more of it.l would recommend it.
Professor Aphrodite Lavalamp 14.08.2023
I love the suspense, the mystery and all the adventure and survival skills . I like how they tie all the problems of at the end. I really like how we were able to see Billy develop as a character throughout the story.
Corporal Geronimo Fascination 21.02.2023
Billy is taught the survival rules by his mum, but he doesn't know why he must know them.
Viscount Natty Banana 16.02.2023
I loved this book, a tale of adventure and bravery this was one of my favourite books ever! My favourite character was his mum because she helped him get through every thing. I would defo recommend this to anyone because it was all round such a great book.
Princess Bubbles Hammersmith 02.09.2022
Billy has only ever been taught the rules of survival by his mum.He doesn’t know why he is having to learn these things but when a mysterious virus breaks out all his skills are tested .
Doctor Jewel Borneo 25.08.2022
I like books that are about saving the world
Prince Gator Rollerskate 04.08.2022
I loved this book. It’s non factual. I recommend it for 9-12 year olds I find it comforting to read because it reminds me of Covid and it makes me feel like I am not alone I rate it 5 stars
Quest-seeker Kangaroo Sausage-Roll 20.12.2021
I like that the Lumen/Greys aren't actually evil and still share some human qualities.What I wonder is who was the patient that first had the virus I think it was the fallen man but who knows.Where did Anwar's family sleep there were only two sleeping bags.Just to finish with can children be transformed because the book only mentioned adult Lumen/Greys nothing about kid Lumen/Greys. Brilliant book I would recommend it to everyone.
Anonymous 18.08.2021
One of the best adventure-esque books I have ever read! The story has almost no flaws, and all of the character’s motivations feel genuine, which is impressive for a children’s book. I would recommend this to almost anyone looking for an exciting book to read!
Anonymous 17.08.2021
